At last, we can present the strangest new BMW for some time (and there have been a few): the new 5-series Gran Turismo, or GT for short. Motoring journos sometimes overuse the word ‘radical’, but the new BMW 5-series GT is one of the few new arrivals that is genuinely segment busting.
In fact, when uploading this story we had to tag the article page on our website. Is this an executive car? An estate? Or an MPV? You can make an argument for all three. Let’s say the GT is a high-riding 5-series with the space of an estate, the versatility of a people carrier and the luxurious pampering of an exec.
BMW calls it ‘a car which combines an understated coupe-like silhouette to the luxurious interior of a BMW 7-series, while at the same time giving the functionality of a BMW 5-series Touring or X5.’
Hotch-potch mess or a genuine new niche? We’re sure you’ll be quick to comment and let us know.
BMW 5-series GT: more details
This 19th model line in BMW’s range has a whopping boot. Push the rear seats back and you’ve still got 440 litres, and that can stretch to 1700 litres in full cargo mode. Buyers can spec it in Executive trim (four-seat luxo kit) or five-seat layout.
And check out that split boot in the photos. Like Skoda’s Superb, you can operate it as a hatchback tailgate or a saloon boot. Best of both worlds, really, and it lets occupants be undisturbed from howling gales if you’re chauffeuring metereophobes around Munich.
This is our first sight of the new 5-series range (the saloons follow in 2010) and three engines will be available at launch: a 530d, a 535i and a 550i, all matched to ZF’s new eight-speed auto that’s claimed to be 6% more efficient than its predecessor. Naturally, the diesel will be the best seller in the UK.
Click ‘Next’ to read the full tech spec on each BMW 5-series GT model
When can I buy a 5-series Gran Turismo?
UK cars land in October 2009, priced from around £40,000 for a BMW 530d SE GT, the entry-level model.
BMW 535i Gran Turismo
Straight-six petrol engine with TwinPower Turbo, High Precision Injection and Valvetronic
Capacity: 2979cc
Max output: 302bhp at 5800 rpm
Max torque: 295 lb ft from 1200–5000rpm
Acceleration 062mph: 6.3 seconds
Top speed: 155mph
Average fuel consumption: 31.7mpg
CO2 emissions: 209 g/km
BMW 550i Gran Turismo:
V8 petrol engine with TwinPower Turbo
Capacity: 4395cc,
Max output: 401bhp from 5500-6400rpm
Max torque: 442lb ft from 1750-4500rpm
Acceleration 0-62mph: 5.5 seconds
Top speed: 155mph
Average fuel consumption: 25.2mpg
CO2 emissions: 263g/km
BMW 530d Gran Turismo:
Straight-six diesel engine with aluminium crankcase and third-generation common-rail direct fuel injection (piezo-injectors), max injection pressure: 1800 bar
Capacity: 2993 cc
Max output: 242bhp at 4000rpm
Max torque: 398lb ft from 1750-3000rpm
Acceleration 0-62mph: 6.9 seconds
Top speed: 149mph
Average fuel consumption: 43.5mpg
CO2 emissions: 173 g/km